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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

Immunizing quantum computers against errors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new way to encode qubits in trapped-ion mechanical oscillators, which could lead to more efficient quantum error correction. By exploiting the properties of periodically arranged oscillatory states, they can detect and correct errors with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2019

Child anxiety could be factor in school absences, research concludes

Research from the University of Exeter suggests anxiety is a factor in poor school attendance among children and young people. The study found a surprising association between truancy and anxiety, as well as the expected link between anxiety and school refusal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·DateFeb 27, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Family businesses should prepare for the unexpected if next generation to succeed

Modern family businesses should prioritize equipping all members for the unexpected, rather than focusing on internal relationships. The study's findings highlight the importance of interactive socialization, where younger family members network with external stakeholders and peers to bring new skills and knowledge into the business.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFamily Business Review·DateFeb 27, 2019

Researchers discover cell mechanism that delays and repairs DNA damage that can lead to cancer

A new study reveals a specific mechanism in human cells that delay propagation of DNA damage, giving cells a chance to stop piling up mutations. The discovery relies on precise timing and control inside the cells and identifies key molecular proteins involved in repairing DNA lesions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 27, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Radiation contamination at a crematorium

A recent study reports radiation contamination at an Arizona crematorium following treatment of a patient with a radioactive drug. The contamination was detected on equipment and in the operator's urine, raising concerns about potential health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Right- or left-handed? Gene expression tells the story of snail evolution

Researchers at Shinshu University found that a gene influencing snail shell coil direction also plays a key role in snail evolution, potentially leading to the creation of new species. The study reveals that genetic expression levels can determine handedness in snails, with reduced expression resulting in reversed handedness.

SourceShinshu University·JournalZoological Letters·DateFeb 26, 2019

Cellular alterations increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection

A study published in Scientific Reports identifies changes to neutrophils that increase vulnerability of obese and diabetic individuals to infection. Alterations to neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lead to impaired activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), weakening the immune system's ability to combat pathogens.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New consolidated bio-saccharification technique for lignocellulose conversion developed

A new consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) technique has been developed to improve lignocellulose conversion efficiency and reduce costs. The CBS process integrates enzyme production, cellulose hydrolysis, and fermentation in one step, resulting in a 50% reduction in processing time and increased sugar yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateFeb 26, 2019

Hospital-to-home transition care may not help patients with heart failure

A study led by McMaster University found that providing additional health-care services to help heart failure patients transition from hospital to home does not improve their outcome. Despite this, patients receiving the intervention reported improvements in discharge preparedness and quality of life.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019

FASEB Journal: Study suggests novel biomarker for predicting AFib progression

A human study published in The FASEB Journal suggests a novel type of biomarker to predict atrial fibrillation progression. Researchers found that patients with persistent atrial fibrillation demonstrated the highest expression of five miRNAs associated with signaling pathways and fibrosis involved in AF.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 26, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UK prejudice against immigrants amongst lowest in Europe

A recent study found that around 15% of people in the UK would object to having immigrants as neighbors, similar to other rich EU countries. The analysis also showed that tackling one form of prejudice improves tolerance towards all groups.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sociology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Climate rewind: Scientists turn carbon dioxide back into coal

Researchers have developed a new technique that can efficiently convert CO2 from gas into solid particles of carbon at room temperature. This breakthrough could transform our approach to carbon capture and storage, offering a more sustainable alternative to current technologies.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2019

Exposing flaws in metrics for user login systems

Researchers found that 94% of recent authentication systems have flaws in their reported performance metrics, leading to potential security consequences. A novel solution proposes combining two metrics to measure the success of user login systems.

SourceRutgers University·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers uncover mechanism behind DNA damage control

The study reveals that gene transcription is equally important to DNA damage response, with activated transcription facilitating DNA repair and limiting abnormal transcripts. Cells become hypersensitive to DNA damage-inducing agents when the RBM7-P-TEFb axis is interfered with.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2019

Medications: As many as needed, as few as possible!

Professor Marjan van den Akker is appointed as endowed chair for polypharmacy and health services research, focusing on frequent disease combinations and their medical treatment. She aims to improve care for patients with multimorbidity by developing and evaluating interventions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateFeb 26, 2019

Stopwatch set for milestone marathon in 2032

Monash University expert predicts a 10% chance of breaking the two-hour mark in May 2032. The study suggests that elite female athletes face potential barriers, leading to a 'world record drought' since Paula Radcliffe's 2:15.25 mark in 2003.

SourceMonash University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Radiation-resistant E. coli evolved in the lab give view into DNA repair

Researchers created a lab-grown population of E. coli bacteria that became resistant to ionizing radiation through genetic mutations and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of radiation-resistant bacteria for environmental clean-up, cancer therapy protection, and astronaut protection in space.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Why do innocent people plead guilty?

A UMass Lowell researcher explores the human dynamics behind plea deals, finding that over 95% of US criminal charges are resolved by guilty pleas. Her new NSF grant-funded project aims to reduce false guilty pleas and improve justice system services for defendants, using a computer simulation to test variables affecting plea decisions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New breakthrough in understanding a severe child speech impediment

Researchers have identified anomalies in the dorsal language stream of the brain connected to speech in children with apraxia. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for children with the debilitating disorder, which affects their ability to form social relationships and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBrain·DateFeb 26, 2019

New mothers reduce their alcohol intake, but this change is short-lived

Research tracked drinking habits of over 4,000 people from teens to thirties and found most mothers returned to pre-pregnancy drinking patterns within five years. The study also reported that 15% of mothers with a child aged five or older reported binge drinking in the past week.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2019

Study traces the origins of Chikungunya in Brazil

Researchers analyzed blood samples collected between March 2016 and June 2017, identifying 40 samples positive for Chikungunya virus. The study suggests the virus may have circulated as early as 2012 and was likely imported from Central Africa.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2019

You recognize your face even when you don't 'see' it

A study published in Psychological Science found that participants' brains automatically attended to their own faces, even when they were instructed not to. The researchers used EEG to monitor brain activity and confirmed that the phenomenon occurs with more complex stimuli like faces, which require detailed analysis to recognize.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 26, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Why a common antibiotic treating diarrhea is failing

A billion different ways for C-diff to become resistant to metronidazole have been identified. Genetic changes linked to heme levels are thought to be a key factor contributing to this resistance. Researchers are now working to identify new drug targets to combat the growing threat of C-diff, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 26, 2019

Earning a bee's wings

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that honey bees produce distinct cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles based on age, which affects their social recognition and interaction with other bees within the colony. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms of nestmate recognition in social insects.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateFeb 26, 2019

Anemic galaxy reveals deficiencies in ultra-diffuse galaxy formation theory

Researchers used Keck Cosmic Web Imager to study DGSAT I, a solitary ultra-diffuse galaxy with unusual chemical composition. Its low iron content and normal magnesium levels contradict current theories on UDG formation, sparking new questions about galaxy origins.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 26, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How power-to-gas technology can be green and profitable

Hydrogen production based on wind power can already be commercially viable today. Economists at TUM, University of Mannheim and Stanford University have described an economically viable path to renewables-based hydrogen production. The study shows that flexible production facilities can make this technology a key component in the trans...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 26, 2019

Inherited mutations may play a role in pancreatic cancer development

A retrospective study found that inherited mutations in pancreatic cancer susceptibility genes may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in patients with specific precursor lesions. The study analyzed DNA from 315 patients and found a higher likelihood of invasive pancreatic cancer in those with inherited mutations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 26, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Online intervention shows promise in HIV prevention

A new online intervention tool shows promise in decreasing sexual risk-taking and promoting HIV/STI prevention behaviors among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The My Desires & Expectations (myDEx) tool was pilot-tested in a randomized trial and found to improve HIV prevention behaviors and emotional decision-m...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateFeb 26, 2019

New method uses AI to screen for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

A new method uses AI to screen for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by analyzing eye movements, providing an affordable and efficient way to detect the condition. The tool has the potential to reach millions of children worldwide who may be at risk, reducing secondary cognitive and behavioral disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Artificial intelligence could predict spread of melanoma

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University and Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed AI-powered technology to identify melanoma cells with metastatic potential. The technology uses quantitative live cell histology to record video of cells and analyze their appearance and behavioral patterns.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateFeb 26, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Maasai farmers only kill lions when they attack livestock

Researchers from the University of Exeter found that lion killing by Maasai farmers increases when lions are identified as culprits of livestock death. This study challenges the common belief that lion killing is a retributive act caused by general loss of livestock.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 26, 2019

Safety of overlapping surgeries

A comprehensive analysis of over 60,000 surgical procedures found that overlapping surgeries do not significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications and patient death in most cases. However, patients deemed high risk due to age and preexisting medical conditions, as well as those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft su...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019

Is kidney failure a man's disease?

A new analysis shows that men are affected by kidney failure much more often than women, with a 2.7 times higher incidence in older patients. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing blood pressure through exercise and losing weight, may help prevent kidney function decline.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalClinical Kidney Journal·DateFeb 26, 2019

Duke-NUS researchers discover the secret to bats' immunity

A research team identified molecular and genetic mechanisms allowing bats to host multiple viral pathogens without suffering diseases. Bats have a unique ability to limit inflammation, which may be key to their long lifespans and virus reservoir status.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 26, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Indigenous knowledge, key to a successful ecosystem restoration

A recent study highlights the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in restoring degraded ecosystems. Indigenous communities have contributed significantly to ecological restoration through traditional practices such as anthropogenic burning and rotational swidden cultivation systems, resulting in highly biodiverse ecosystems.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Electrically-heated silicate glass appears to defy Joule's first law

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered that electrically-heated silicate glass can exhibit highly inhomogeneous temperature profiles, melting near the anode while remaining solid elsewhere. This phenomenon challenges classical Joule's law and has implications for the fabrication and manufacturing of glass and ceramic materials.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2019

New research initiative will power up Europe's battery revolution

A large-scale research initiative called Battery 2030+ aims to invent the batteries of the future, providing European industry with cutting-edge technologies. The project will focus on establishing an acceleration platform for discovering new battery materials using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

SourceUppsala University·DateFeb 26, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Zoonoses: Antimicrobial resistance shows no signs of slowing down

The European Union's antimicrobial resistance report reveals that antimicrobials used to treat diseases transmitted between animals and humans are becoming less effective. Antimicrobial resistance has increased in Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, making it difficult to treat severe cases.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateFeb 26, 2019

Signals from distant lightning could help secure electric substations

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a technique to detect potential cyber attacks on electric substations using signals from distant lightning. By analyzing radio frequency signals emitted by substation components, security personnel can authenticate the authenticity of the signals and prevent malicious actors...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Student-led rheumatology interest group increases interest in field

A student-led rheumatology interest group at George Washington University significantly increased student engagement with the field of rheumatology. The group's establishment led to a rise in publications by rheumatology students and enrollment in the rheumatology elective.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalInternational Journal of Rheumatology·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.